Arsenal vs. Fulham

Arsenal v Fulham Match Preview

Arsenal face the first of three consecutive home games after some very mixed results on the road. The draw with Schalke, whilst respectable in isolation, did the Gunners few favours with their group position.

Now they come back to domestic concersn where they look to bounce back from a limp defeat at Old Trafford against Martin Jol's Fulham side.

Vital Quotes:

"Fulham are very efficient going forward. They have [Hugo] Rodallega, they have, of course, [Dimitar] Berbatov and offensively they are a side who creates many chances and who scores goals — 21 goals is quite impressive in 10 games."

Player to watch: Theo Walcott

Theo has been frozen out of the first XI to this point, but with Gervinho, Chamberlain and Ramsey all injured, he's back in the side. He certainly gave us a bit more cutting edge upfront against Schalke.

To me it looks like he's already being asked to play more of a striker role. He certainly spends a lot more time in central positions than he used to and I can only imagine it's under instruction.

Fulham Team News:

Martin Jol has revealed that midfield enforcer Mahamadou Diarra is only 50-50 for the visit to North London with a knee injury. Simon Davies is still recovering from a hip operation.

Player to watch: Dimitar Berbatov

If Fulham hurt Arsenal, expect the silky Bulgarian to be the main architect. Though Fulham like to use their wide players, both Bryan Ruiz and Hugo Rodallega enjoy plaing with the deep lying, Dracula-a-like striker.

Certainly Koscielny and Mertesacker will identify Berbatov as the main threat to be dealt with.

Match Facts & Stats

Fulham have never won at Arsenal, having lost 22 and drawn 4 of their 26 trips.

Fulham haven't scored more than one goal in an away game at Arsenal in the Premier League.

However, the Cottagers are unbeaten in their last three against Arsenal.

Philippe Senderos will make a return to his old club.

Only Manchester United and Chelsea have bettered Fulham's 22 goals in the Premier League so far this season.

Arsenal currently hold the best defensive record in the division with 8 conceded.

Ref Watch:

Andre Marriner is this weekend's man to blame.

Match Prediction:

I think another nervy Arsenal win might be the result here. I'm backing 2-1 to the Gunners, Walcott and Cazorla with the goals, Ruiz for Fulham.

Next Fixtures:

Arsenal's next game will be at home to Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday at 12.45pm.

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